Students take a practice SAT exam

Although nine rising EKC juniors and seniors could have spent their ‘free’ time hanging out with friends or relaxing at the beach, they chose to spend their time prepping for the big one, the college SAT exam. Under the great guidance of Lucy Goodson of the SAT Smart Start program, the students spent 50 hours over 10 days learning the in and outs of the test they will take in the coming year.

“I am so glad that I got the opportunity to do this,” said Brittany Lambright, a rising Emily K senior who attends Early College, “The work was very difficult, but now when I go to take the test I’ll be so much better prepared.”

Smart Start folks worked with the students to make sure there would be no surprises when they take the actual exam. “We make sure that students understand the directions prior to taking the test, that saves them testing time,” said Lucy, “We also take practice exams so that students get accustomed to using strategies that will ensure that they do well. The test can be very intimidating but we are sure to address the basics of all the material they will encounter.”

Students agreed that taking practice exams was very beneficial “The first time I took a practice test I could barely make it through the five hours. When I took another practice at the end of the program, I felt like I had enough energy and brainpower to get me though to the end,” Brittany added. In addition to specific help on the writing, math and verbal sections, students shared that they plan to eat and sleep well leading up to taking the exam to give them extra stamina.

Emily K Programming and Partnerships Coordinator, Ashlea Hitchcock, who works with the students, offered her observations, “I have no doubt that the Emily K students will be up to the challenge. They have very, very bright futures ahead of them.”

We’re really excited to officially be charitable partners of the Ramblin’ Rose Half Marathon which will be run here in Durham on Sunday, October 16th.  You can read the official announcement from Endurance Magazine.   What does it mean?  It means that we need our amazing supporters to sign-up as volunteers.  Here’s all the important info:

Who:   Anyone over 18 can volunteer - sign up as an individual or with friends.
What:   Endurance Magazine will host their first Ramblin’ Rose Women’s Half Marathon in Durham.  They expect to have thousands of runners and will need 100’s of volunteers.  The Emily K Center is recruiting volunteers to work as Course Monitors during the race.  Course Monitors are the “GPS” for the course - providing safety, encouragement, and direction to the runners and spectators.
When:  Sunday October 16th, 6:30AM - 10:30AM
Where:  The race starts at the American Tobacco Campus and runs throughout Durham.  Course Monitors will be stationed in teams along the course.
Why: Endurance Magazine will make a donation to the Emily K Center for every volunteer who works on our behalf.  This is also a huge event and a great opportunity for us to spread the word about the Emily K Center.  As an added bonus, anyone that volunteers on our behalf can also pick up an Emily K Center hat to wear on race-day!
How:  Check your calendar and make sure you can commit to volunteering on October 16th.  Follow this link to register as a volunteer.  On the first page choose “Course Monitor” under “Specific Event”.  On the second page be sure to choose “Emily K Center” as the organization you are volunteering on behalf of.  Once you are registered you will be directly contacted by Endurance with all the race-day details.  Please try to register before September 15th.

This will be a fun event and a great way to help the Emily K Center.  We hope to see you out on the course!

The Emily K Center was prominently featured in a News and Observer story by correspondent Virginia Bridges. Ms. Bridges interviewed EKC students, staff members and parents over the course of a month of on site reporting.  Students shared stories about their time at EKC and their dreams for the future.  Parents commented that the EKC has helped them learn about important topics such as social networking and college opportunities for their sons and daughters.  Staff members walked the reporter down memory lane, telling her about the Center’s development since it opened five years ago. Photographer Harry Lynch snapped so many great shots that four full color ones were included with the article! Enjoy!